Credit: The Associated Press

United States' goalkeeper Tim Howard (1) and his teammates celebrate after qualifying for the next World Cup round following their 1-0 loss to Germany during the group G World Cup soccer match between the USA and Germany at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, Thursday, June 26, 2014.

Credit: Associated Press

United States' goalkeeper Tim Howard pumps his fist after qualifying for the next World Cup round following their 1-0 loss to Germany during the group G World Cup soccer match between the USA and Germany at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, Thursday, June 26, 2014.

Credit: The Associated Press

Alex Dubin, 17, center top, reacts with other United States fans while watching the 2014 World Cup soccer match between the United States and Germany at a public viewing party in San Francisco, Thursday, June 26, 2014.

RECIFE, Brazil — They heard about people back home watching during their lunch breaks, streaming on office computers or playing hooky with fellow fans. And then, as the bus pulled away from the hotel Thursday, the U.S. World Cup team was struck with an unusual sight.

Hundreds, maybe thousands of fans in red, white and blue, walking for miles around stalled cars through nearly hip-high water along flooded streets and highways, making their way to the stadium to cheer them on.